Moroccan army officers visit the South Carolina National Guard

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Kimberly Calkins | Lt. Col. Abderrahim Htit, a medical officer from the Royal Moroccan Army, discusses emergency response operations with Lt. Col. Jeffrey T. Wyatt Sr., Office of Security Cooperation, Chief for the U.S. Embassy in Rabat, Morocco, during a visit to the 218th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Charleston Readiness Center, Charleston, S.C., July 13. The 218th MEB provided a briefing on the concept of operations for hurricane response to representatives from the Moroccan Royal Army for future emergency response planning for the government of Morocco.  

CHARLESTON, SC, UNITED STATES

07.13.2011

Story by Staff Sgt. Kimberly Calkins 

218th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade

CHARLESTON, S.C. – Two officers with the Royal Moroccan army visited the 218th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade during a multi-site tour of the South Carolina National Guard July 13.

The 218th MEB provided representatives from the Royal Moroccan army, Lt. Col. Abderrahim Htit, a medical officer, and Lt. Col. Lotfi Ihsan, an operations officer, with a tour of the Charleston Readiness Center, an in-depth account of the history of the 218th MEB, and a briefing on the concept of operations for hurricane response.

“It was an informative briefing,” said Lt. Col. Michael A. Krell, deputy commander, 218th MEB. “I believe they were impressed with our ability to plan, rehearse, train and execute our emergency response plan for the state and ultimately the nation.”

The 218th MEB is a key contributor to the Defense Support to Civilian Authorities agency, providing military assistance to civilian authorities during incidences to include but not limited to terrorist threats or attacks, natural disasters, and other emergencies. The SCNG conducts training events to include reacting to a nuclear detonation and hurricane response management.

Although Morocco is not affected by hurricanes, the country does suffer the catastrophes of flooding and wild fires.

The mission of the South Carolina National Guard relates directly to what the Moroccan army is trying to achieve in their emergency response program, said Maj. Karen Nuccitelli, State Partnership Program director for Utah National Guard.

The visit was made possible through a partnership formed between SCNG and the Royal Moroccan army by the Utah National Guard’s State Partnership Program. The SPP connects National Guard states and territories with partner countries with the intent of establishing long-term economic, political and military relationships.

“Our visit not only focuses on emergency response but also on the American culture and the history of the state that we visit,” said Lt. Col. Jeffrey T. Wyatt, Sr., Office of Security Cooperation, chief for the U.S. Embassy in Rabat, Morocco.

After the visit with the 218th MEB, the Royal Moroccan army officers participated in cultural activities in the Charleston area.

• Date Taken: 07.13.2011
• Date Posted: 07.17.2011 13:45
• Story ID: 73869
• Location: CHARLESTON, SC, US